Spy Report: Blue Devil 2009 Corvette ZR1

We caught the so-called "Blue Devil" Corvette last week on a General Motors test track outside Detroit, just days before it may be unveiled at the New York auto show. The sound of the supercharged V8 during acceleration is akin to a big diesel decelerating down—sharp rattle raps—only in reverse.

That box on the hood hides the supercharger, while the wheels may be new as well. At the rear is a new shape to the upper part of the deck lid: The CHMSL is missing, while there are two rising lips on the top of the deck, portending to a substantial change in the Corvette's aerodynamics.

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But check out that symbol on the rear: Is it a Duke Blue Devil? GM chairman Rick Wagoner went to Duke, but is officially denying being involved in the naming process (natch). He has, however, spoken in broad swaths about the Corvette model's racecar derivatives, what with its reported 650 hp.

Whether the mascot sticks or not—we've heard whispers about Corvette SS being confirmed as the name, with Z07 and Stingray thrown around as well—it looks like you could see this 'Vette as a 2009 model at around $100,000. —Jim Dunne, Ben Stewart and Matt Sullivan